ArmInfo. The Ministry of Education and Science of Armenia will put into circulation the draft order of the head of the Ministry of Education and Science, which implies the establishment of a number of criteria for assessing the results of the activities of the country's research institutes. Based on this assessment system, a decision will be made on more efficient financing of science. This was announced on January 6 by the head of department Arayik Harutyunyan after the government meeting.
On February 6, the Government of Armenia adopted a resolution abolishing the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers of Armenia N1515 of December 27, 2018 regarding transferring basic funding to a competitive basis, which could lead to a reduction of several hundred-research institutes.
As the Minister explained, the introduction of new rules was motivated by the desire to create a competitive field in order to eliminate monopolies in specific areas, which would lead to a better outcome. However, employees of research institutes are very critical of the idea. In addition, it became obvious that there will be certain difficulties in holding competitions due to the fact that those responsible for the field may not meet the deadlines. Moreover, in September 2018, a competition for receiving basic funding was already held and today there is no need for additional funding. As a result, it was decided to postpone the entry of a new order into force for a year.
According to the Minister, it is puzzling that many have stated that as a result of the introduction of the new rules, 2 thousand scientists will remain out of work. According to him, the majority of Armenian research institutes are unique and it is obvious that the bulk of them had a real chance to become winners of competitions.
From 2020, on the basis of the system of evaluations of the activities of scientific research institutes, their efficiency and potential, and also taking into account the published scientific works, a decision will be made on granting or refusing to receive funding. There will be no evaluation committee as such. As the minister explained, on the basis of the points obtained on approximately 30 criteria, the index will be derived and the research institute will be rated. The document today-tomorrow will be presented to the public and expert circles. In general, Arayik Harutyunyan rated the state of modern science in Armenia puzzling. But the planned work, as the Minister pointed out, will have a very positive effect on the field of science and education